Meal Ingestion of Ceraceomyces tessulatus Strain BDM-X (Agaricomycetes) Protects against Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of NASH due to steatosis; hence, novel therapeutic approaches might include natural antioxidants. Ceraceomyces tessulatus strain Basidiomycetes-X (BDM-X), a novel edible mushroom, possesses potent antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the hepato-protective effect of C. tessulatus BDM-X in a novel NASH-HCC mouse model. To prepare this animal model, 2-day-old C57BL/6J male pups were exposed to low-dose streptozotocin (STZ); at 4 weeks of age, they were randomly divided into two groups. The NASH group (NASH) received a high-fat diet (HFD32) up to 14 weeks of age; the C. tessulatus BDM-X group (BDM-X) received HFD32 up to age 10 weeks, followed by HFD32 + 20% BDM-X (percent weight per weight in the diet) up to age 14 weeks. Mice not treated with STZ and fed a normal diet served as a control group. We found that C. tessulatus BDM-X improved serum aminotransferase levels as well as histopathological features such as steatosis, inflammatory foci, and pericellular fibrosis in NASH mice. Hepatic protein expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein isoform SREBP-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARα was significantly increased in NASH mice. C. tessulatus BDM-X treatment normalized the expression of both proteins. Our data suggest that C. tessulatus BDM-X may protect the liver against lipogenesis in NASH-HCC mice.

Pharmacological Investigation of Ceraceomyces tessulatus (Agaricomycetes) in Mice with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Natural products including edible mushrooms are gaining attention for the prevention and treatment of lifestyle related disorders. Ceraceomyces tessulatus (strain BDM-X) possesses potent antioxidative stress activity. In this study, we hypothesize that BDM-X treatment protects the liver of mouse with NASH by reducing inflammation in a novel NASH-HCC mouse model. C57BL/6J female pups were exposed to low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) and fed a high-fat diet (HFD) 32 from the age of 4 weeks to 16 weeks. Water extract of BDM-X was given at 500 mg/kg dose daily by oral gavage started at the age of 12 weeks and continued until 16 weeks of age along with HFD feeding. We found that BDM-X improved the histopathological changes, serum aminotransferases, and blood glucose levels in NASH mice. The hepatic protein expressions of SIRT1 and IL-10 were significantly repressed in NASH mice. BDM-X treatment restored these expressions. BDM-X treatment effectively reduced the progression of NASH by suppressing the protein expression of SREBPlc, p-NF-κB, Ep-CAM, and prothrombin in the NASH liver. In conclusion, our data suggest that BDM-X can protect the liver against inflammation and lipogenesis in NASH-HCC mice.

Brain adaptations of insulin signaling kinases, GLUT 3, p-BADser155 and nitrotyrosine expression in various hypoglycemic models of mice.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Insulin-induced moderate or severe hypoglycemia (MH or SH) impairs cognition and SH causes neuronal death. On the contrary, alternate day fasting (ADF) protects the brain during excitotoxic stress and improves cognitive function. Unlike the scenario in the periphery, insulin and its relationship towards brain glucose uptake and metabolism are considered to be less significant. Yet, the hypoglycemia associated brain metabolism is not clearly understood. The authors broadly investigated the brain metabolism in various hypoglycemic models such as insulin-induced MH, SH, SH with glucose reperfusion, 24 h fasting and ADF in the cortex or hippocampus of C57BL6/J mice. The authors analyzed the protein expression of insulin signaling kinases (plays a key role in neuronal survival and memory), Bcl-2 associated death promoter (p-BADser155) (dephosphorylation inhibits glucokinase activity and reduces glucose or increases ketone body metabolism in the brain), neuronal-specific glucose transporter 3 (GLUT 3) and nitrotyrosine (marker of nitric oxide which is involved in neuronal glucose uptake via GLUT 3) using western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Insulin-induced MH or SH differentially regulated the brain insulin signaling kinases. The expression of p-BADser155 decreased in all hypoglycemic models except the insulin-induced MH in hippocampus. The trended higher GLUT 3 and increased nitrotyrosine expression of insulin-induced SH were restored after glucose reperfusion. The trended higher or increased GLUT 3 and nitrotyrosine expression of ADF were positively correlated with serum beta-hydroxybutyrate levels. CONCLUSION: During hypoglycemia, it can be suggested that the brain might decrease glucose metabolism via glycolysis or prefer ketone body metabolism (except the insulin-induced MH in hippocampus) by modifying the p-BADser155 expression. In addition to the ketone body metabolism, the brain might adapt to uptake glucose in insulin-induced SH or ADF by modifying the GLUT 3 or nitrotyrosine expression.

Basidiomycetes-X, an edible mushroom, alleviates the development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mouse model.

Basidiomycetes-X (BDM-X) is a novel edible mushroom recently identified as a new fungi species and is effective against oxidative stress and anti-inflammation associated with immune response. However the effect of BDM-X on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been elucidated. In this study, we have investigated the effect of BDM-X on AD skin lesions in NC/Nga mouse model. AD-like lesion was induced by the application of house dust mite extract (DfE) to the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mouse. After AD induction, BDM-X was administered once daily for 2 weeks. We have analyzed the effects of BDM-X on dermatitis severity, histopathological changes and changes in inflammatory and proinflammatory proteins expressions in DfE induced AD mice skin. Treatment with BDM-X attenuated the development of AD-like clinical symptoms and effectively inhibited hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis and mast cells in AD mice skin. Furthermore, BDM-X treatment inhibited DfE induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, high mobility group protein (HMG)B1, nuclear factor kappa (NFκ)B and inflammatory cytokines. These results indicate that BDM-X inhibits AD through modulating Th1 and Th2 responses and diminishing the mast cells infiltration in the skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

Small molecule disruption of G protein ßγ subunit signaling reprograms human macrophage phenotype and prevents autoimmune myocarditis in rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether blocking of G protein ßγ (Gßγ) signaling halts heart failure (HF) progression by macrophage phenotype manipulation. Cardiac Gßγ signaling plays a crucial role in HF pathogenesis. Previous data suggested that inhibiting Gßγ signaling reprograms T helper cell 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines, suggesting that Gßγ might be a useful drug target for treating HF. We investigated the efficacy of a small molecule Gßγ inhibitor, gallein, in a clinically relevant, experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) model of HF as well as in human macrophage phenotypes in vitro. In the myocardium of HF patients, we observed that G protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2 levels were down-regulated compared with healthy controls. In rat EAM, treatment with gallein effectively improved survival and cardiac function, suppressed cardiac remodeling, and further attenuated myocardial protein expression of GRK2 as well as high mobility group box (HMGB)1 and its cascade signaling proteins. Furthermore, gallein effectively inhibited M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization in vivo in the EAM heart and in vitro in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Taken together, these data suggest that the small molecule Gßγ inhibitor, gallein, could be an important pharmacologic therapy for HF as it can switch the phenotypic reprogramming from M1 to M2 phenotype in a rat model of EAM heart and in human macrophages.

Comparative evaluation of torasemide and spironolactone on adverse cardiac remodeling in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) involves fluid retention and volume overload, leading to impaired cardiac function. In these conditions, diuretic agents are most commonly used to treat edema and thereby reducing the volume load on the failing heart. There are several other beneficial effects of diuretics apart from their action on urinary excretion. METHODS: To identify the effects of diuretic agents on adverse cardiac remodeling in CHF, this study was carried out, where we have compared the effects of torasemide and spironolactone in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy induced by porcine cardiac myosin-mediated experimental autoimmune myocarditis. RESULTS: Cardiac protein expression levels of inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and fibrosis markers were upregulated in the hearts of CHF rats, while treatment with either torasemide or spironolactone has downregulated their expression. The effect produced by spironolactone on cardiac fibrosis markers was comparably lesser than torasemide. Further, immunohistochemical analysis and histopathological studies have provided evidence to confirm the beneficial effects of these drugs on adverse cardiac remodeling in rats with CHF. CONCLUSION: Torasemide treatment has benefits against adverse cardiac remodeling in CHF rats, which was better than the protection offered by spironolactone.

Role of 14-3-3η protein on cardiac fatty acid metabolism and macrophage polarization after high fat diet induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a metabolic disorder, is one of the leading causes of mortality around the world and its pathogenesis involves cardiac inflammation and altered metabolic profile. Altered fatty acid metabolism during DCM can cause macrophage polarization in which inflammatory M1 phenotype dominates over the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Hence, it is essential to identify a specific target, which could revert the metabolic profile and thereby reducing the M1 macrophage polarization. 14-3-3η protein has several cellular protective functions especially in the heart as plenty of reports available in various animal models of heart failure including diabetes mellitus. However, its role in the cardiac fatty acid metabolism and macrophage polarization remains unidentified. The present study has been designed to delineate the effect of cardiospecific dominant negative mutation of 14-3-3η protein (DN14-3-3) on various lipid metabolism related marker proteins expressions and cardiac macrophage phenotype in high fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Feeding HFD for 12 weeks has produced significant increase in body weight in the DN14-3-3 (TG) mice than C57BL6/J (WT) mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining analysis of the heart tissue has revealed an increase in the expression of markers of cardiac fatty acid synthesis related proteins in addition to the reduced expression of fatty acid oxidation related proteins in TG mice fed HFD than WT mice fed HFD. Furthermore, the M1 macrophage marker proteins were increasingly expressed while M2 markers expressions were reduced in the hearts of TG mice fed HFD. In conclusion, our current study has identified that there is a definite role for the 14-3-3η protein against the pathogenesis of heart failure via regulation of cardiac fatty acid metabolism and macrophage polarization.

Tiny molecule, big power: Multi-target approach for curcumin in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is described as impaired cardiac diastolic and systolic functions. Diabetes mellitus (DM), a related cardiovascular disease, has become one of the major causes of death in DM patients. Mortality in these diseases is 2 to 3 times higher than in non-DM patients with cardiovascular disease. The progression of DCM and the cellular and molecular perturbations associated with the pathogenesis are complex and multifactorial. Although considerable progress has been achieved, the molecular etiologies of DCM remain poorly understood. There is an expanding need for natural antidiabetic medicines that do not cause the side effects of modern drugs. Curcumin, a pleiotropic molecule, from Curcuma longa, is known to possess numerous impacts such as scavenging free radical, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiinflammatory activities. The reports from preclinical and clinical findings revealed that curcumin can reverse insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, and obesity-related metabolic diseases. The current review provides an updated overview of the possible molecular mechanism of DCM and multitarget approach of curcumin in alleviating DCM and diabetic complication. Additionally, we mentioned the approaches that are currently being implemented to improve the bioavailability of this promising natural product in diabetes therapeutics.

Le Carbone, a charcoal supplement, modulates DSS-induced acute colitis in mice through activation of AMPKα and downregulation of STAT3 and caspase 3 dependent apoptotic pathways.

Le Carbone (LC) is a charcoal supplement, which contains a large amount of dietary fibers. Several studies suggested that charcoal supplement may be beneficial for stomach disorders, diarrhea, gas and indigestion. But no studies address whether LC intake would suppress inflammation, cell proliferation or disease progression in colitis. In the present study, the effect of LC on experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice and its possible mechanism of action were examined. A study was designed for 8days, using C57BL/6 female mice that were administered with 3% DSS in drinking water for 7days followed by another 1day consumption of normal water with or without treatment. LC suspension was administered daily for 7days via oral gavage using 5mg/mouse in treatment group and normal group was supplied with drinking water. LC suspension significantly attenuated the loss of body weight and shortening of colon length induced by DSS. The disease activity index, histopathologic changes were significantly reduced by LC treatment. The inflammatory mediators TNFα, IL-1ß, p-STAT3 and p-NF-κB induced in the colon by DSS were markedly suppressed by LC. The increased activation of AMPKα in the colon was also detected in LC group. Furthermore, the apoptotic marker protein cleaved caspase 3 was down-regulated and anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Bcl-xL were significantly up-regulated by LC treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrate the ability of LC to inhibit inflammation, apoptosis and give some evidence for its potential use as adjuvant treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Comparative effects of torasemide and furosemide on gap junction proteins and cardiac fibrosis in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac fibrosis is the major hallmark of adverse cardiac remodeling in chronic heart failure (CHF) and its therapeutic targeting might help against cardiac dysfunction during chronic conditions. Diuretic agents are potentially useful in these cases, but their effects on the cardiac fibrosis pathogenesis are yet to be identified. This study was designed to identify and compare the effects of diuretic drugs torasemide and furosemide on cardiac fibrosis in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy induced by porcine cardiac myosin mediated experimental autoimmune myocarditis. Gap junction proteins, connexin-43 and N-cadherin, expressions were downregulated in the hearts of CHF rats, while torasemide treatment has upregulated their expression. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis for various cardiac fibrosis related proteins as well as histopathological studies have shown that both drugs have potential anti-fibrotic effects. Among them, torasemide has superior efficacy in offering protection against adverse cardiac remodeling in the selected rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, torasemide treatment has potential anti-fibrotic effect in the hearts of CHF rats, possibly via improving the gap junction proteins expression and thereby improving the cell-cell interaction in the heart. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):187-194, 2017.

Fasting time duration modulates the onset of insulin-induced hypoglycemic seizures in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Fasting (48h) in mice causes resistance to insulin-induced hypoglycemic seizures (IIHS) but in rats fasting (14-16h) predisposes IIHS. So we suspect the duration of fasting may possibly affect the onset of seizures and in this study, we investigated the IIHS by administering 8 Units (U) insulin (INS)/k.g., intraperitoneally to 8 weeks old male C57BL6/J mice. METHODS: The mice were divided into group 1 (non-fasted), group 2 (6h fasted) and group 3 (24h fasted) and we administered the 8U INS. The first behavioral hypoglycemic seizure symptoms such as jump, clonus or barrel rotations considered as seizure onset and we analyzed the blood glucose level (BGL) and serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) level. RESULTS: The time of first seizure onset in group 1 was 109.7±4.3min, group 2 was 46.50±3.9min and group 3 was 165.4±13.26min. The seizure onset time in group 2 was significantly decreased compared to group 1. The seizure onset time in group 3 was significantly increased compared to group 1 and group 2. The decreased BGL after INS administration was correlated with the seizure onset time in group 1 and group 2 but not in group 3. The BHB level in group 3 was significantly higher compared to group 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the fasting time duration significantly modulates the onset of hypoglycemic seizures. The opposite effect of 6h or 24h fasting time duration is likely caused by different BHB levels.

Curcumin alleviates renal dysfunction and suppresses inflammation by shifting from M1 to M2 macrophage polarization in daunorubicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The molecular mechanism of curcumin in macrophage polarization remains unknown in renal failure. We examined, whether curcumin treatment is associated with the modulation of renal function and macrophage phenotype switch in daunorubicin (DNR) induced nephrotoxicity model. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a cumulative dose of 9mg/kg DNR (i.v). Followed by curcumin (100mg/kg) administration orally every day for 6weeks. DNR treated rats showed nephrotoxicity as evidenced by worsening renal function, which was assessed by measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in serum. These changes were reversed by treatment with curcumin, which resulted in significant improvement in renal function. Furthermore, curcumin increased cluster of differentiation (CD)163 expression, and down-regulated renal expression of antigen II type I receptor (AT1R), endothelin (ET)1, ET receptor type A and B (ETAR and ETBR), CD68 and CD80. Renal protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and nuclear factor (NF)κB p65 were increased in DNR treated rats, and treatment with curcumin attenuated these increased expression. Curcumin mediated a further increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-10. In addition, the expression of M1 phenotype was increased in DNR treated rats, which were attenuated by curcumin. Taken together, our results demonstrated that polyphenol curcumin has an ability to improve renal function and might induce the phenotypic switching from M1 to M2 macrophage polarization in DNR induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Modulation of Macrophage Polarization and HMGB1-TLR2/TLR4 Cascade Plays a Crucial Role for Cardiac Remodeling in Senescence-Accelerated Prone Mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of macrophage polarization in aging heart. Macrophage differentiation is pathogenically linked to many inflammatory and immune disorders. It is often preceded by myocardial inflammation, which is characterized by increased cardiac damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that senescence accelerated-prone (SAMP8) mice cardiac tissue would develop macrophage polarization compared with senescence-resistant control (SAMR1) mice. Both SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice were sacrificed when they became six month old. We evaluated, histo-pathological changes and modifications in protein expression by Western blotting and immuno-histochemical staining for M1 and M2 macrophage markers, high mobility group protein (HMG)B1 and its cascade proteins, pro-inflammatory factors and inflammatory cytokines in cardiac tissue. We observed significant upregulation of HMGB1, toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, nuclear factor (NF)κB p65, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, cyclooxygenase (COX)2, interferon (IFN)γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and M1 like macrophage specific marker cluster of differentiation (CD)68 expressions in SAMP8 heart. In contrast, M2 macrophage specific marker CD36, and IL-10 expressions were down-regulated in SAMP8 mice. The results from the study demonstrated that, HMGB1-TLR2/TLR4 signaling cascade and induction of phenotypic switching to M1 macrophage polarization in SAMP8 mice heart would be one of the possible reasons behind the cardiac dysfunction and thus it could become an important therapeutic target to improve the age related cardiac dysfunction.

Role of MAPK-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in the heart during aging in senescence-accelerated prone mice.

Heart failure is typically related to aging as there is a definite relationship between age-related changes in the heart and the pathogenesis of heart failure. We have previously reported the involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase protein in cardiac function using animal models of heart failure. To further understand its relationship with aging-induced heart failure, we have compared its expression in the hearts of senescence accelerated-prone (SAMP8) mice and their control (SAMR1) with normal aging behavior. We have identified its activation along with reduced expression of 14-3-3η protein in SAMP8 mice hearts than in SAMR1 mice. To reveal the downstream signaling, we have measured the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker proteins along with some inflammatory and apoptosis markers and identified a significant increase in SAMP8 mice hearts than that of SAMR1. In addition, we have performed comet assay and revealed a significant DNA damage in the cardiomyocytes of SAMP8 mice when compared with SAMR1 mice. All these results demonstrate the role of 14-3-3η protein and the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis and DNA damage in aging-induced cardiac malfunction in SAMP8 mice. Thus targeting this signaling might be effective in treating age-related cardiac dysfunction. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):368-375, 2016.

Hypothalamic glucagon signaling in fasting hypoglycemia.

AIMS: Sustained glucagon infusion increases hepatic glucose production, but this effect is transient due to hypothalamic glucagon signaling. In hypoglycemia, glucagon acts as a major defense to sustain the blood glucose level and this raises the question regarding glucagon signaling associated glucose production in prolonged fasting hypoglycemia. In this study, we investigated the proteins associated with hypothalamic glucagon signaling and liver gluconeogenesis during fasting hypoglycemia. MAIN METHODS: 8-9week old, male C57BL6/J mice were fasted for 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 or 42h. In the hypothalamus, we investigated glucagon signaling by analyzing the glucagon receptor and its downstream protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 (PGC-1) expression. In the liver, we investigated gluconeogenesis by analyzing p-protein kinase A (PKA)(Ser/Thr) substrate and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase - cytosolic (PEPCK-C) expression using the western blotting technique. KEY FINDINGS: The elevated or trended higher hypothalamic glucagon receptor and PGC-1 expressions at 18 and 42h were correlated with the attenuated liver p-PKA(Ser/Thr) substrate expression. The attenuated hypothalamic glucagon receptor and PGC-1 expressions at 12, 24, 30 and 36h were correlated with the elevated or trended higher liver p-PKA(Ser/Thr) substrate expression. SIGNIFICANCE: The hypothalamic glucagon signaling during fasting hypoglycemia might have been modulated by circadian rhythm and this possibly attenuates the liver p-PKA(Ser/Thr) substrate to modify the gluconeogenesis pathway. This mechanism will help to understand the hyperglucagonemia associated complications in diabetes.

Curcumin as a therapeutic agent in the chemoprevention of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), mainly Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by recurrent inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies are based on the mitigation of symptoms, including inflammatory remission and healing of mucosal manifestations. Extensive studies have suggested that continuous oxidative damage can lead to the inflammatory signaling cascade in IBD. Curcumin, a potent modulator of cell signaling, is popular for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and has already been shown remarkable therapeutic results in IBD. Here, we review and discuss the effects of curcumin as a therapeutic agent in the chemoprevention of IBD.

Attenuation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Liver Damage by Mulberry Leaf Diet in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Although antidiabetic use of mulberry leaves (MLs) has been popular due to their many anti-oxidative flavonoid compounds and free radical scavenging effects, ML's effects on ERS in experimental diabetic hepatocyte injury remain unknown. To investigate how ML affect ERS in diabetic liver, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to induce diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg) and fed with either normal chow or a diet containing 25% mulberry leaf powder diet (MLD) and examined for 56 days. We observed that MLD improved the rats' morphological and histopathological changes. Levels of ERS markers such as phosphorylated double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and the protein expression of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were significantly higher in the diabetic liver compared to normal liver. MLD for 8 weeks significantly reduced all of these markers. MLD also significantly decreased hepatocyte apoptosis, hepatic macrophage recruitment, cellular infiltration, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2), interleukin 1[Formula: see text] (IL-1[Formula: see text]) and sterol regulatory element binding protein isoform 1c (SREBP 1c) levels in diabetic liver. These results may suggest that MLs can preserve hepatic function in experimental diabetes by modulating ERS mediated apoptosis and liver damage.

Molecular targets of quercetin with anti-inflammatory properties in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease. Over the past few decades, AD has become more prevalent worldwide. Quercetin, a naturally occurring polyphenol, shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic activities. Several recent clinical and preclinical findings suggest quercetin as a promising natural treatment for inflammatory skin diseases. Significant progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-AD properties of quercetin has been achieved in the recent years. Here, we discuss the use of quercetin as treatment for AD, with a particular focus on the molecular basis of its effect. We also briefly discuss the approaches to improve the bioavailability of quercetin.

Targeting fatty acid metabolism in heart failure: is it a suitable therapeutic approach?

The energy substrate preference of the human heart is well regulated and is modified upon aging, in that the fetal heart uses glucose, whereas the adult heart utilizes fatty acids. Various human and animal studies suggest a shift in myocardial substrate utilization and decreased rate of myocardial fatty acid uptake and oxidation in heart failure. Given that fatty acids provide greater capacity for energy production compared with glucose, reverting the heart back to using fatty acids might be a therapeutic option for treating heart failure. Targeting the enzymes and/or genes responsible for, or controlling, fatty acid metabolism in the heart, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), mitochondrial fatty acid metabolizing proteins, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and glucose transporters (GLUTs), could provide novel therapeutic insights for treating heart failure.